Cassady K Photography 2020 Photography Review

January 12, 2021

Bride and Groom in the snow in front of lake at Canandaigua City Pier for the 2020 photography review

Almost all facets of life changed in 2020, but for me none more so than my photography. Photography mainly involves people getting together and the photographer being with these people. As we know Covid-19 changed all of this, people weren’t supposed to get together. And although I am thankful for masks, masks cover up one of the most crucial areas for expressing emotion in photographs. The worlds of weddings and photography felt the sting of Covid very early on and it has continued without ceasing to create obstacle after obstacle for photographers and the people they photograph. Therefore, my 2020 photography review looks a little different than previous years.

The one wedding that went on as it was supposed to in 2020 was Carrie + Nate’s on February 29th. They had already planned to have a small wedding, but at this point Covid hadn’t hit too hard and wasn’t even a concern for this day.

Black and White of Bride and Groom married and exiting the church in the Finger Lakes for the 2020 photography reviewVistaprint blue watercolor wedding invitation suite with white tulips and rings on a gray fur for the 2020 photography reviewMother helps her daughter into her wedding dress in upstate, NY for the 2020 photography review

 

Everyone at the wedding teased the groom, Nate, just a little bit for picking Leap Day in upstate New York. It was such a cold and windy day, but in the end it ended up being the best decision of 2020! About a week or two later we in quarantine living just outside of NYC.

Bride and Groom sit by the lake in the snow on the Canandaigua City Pier for the 2020 photography review

Since wedding photography was totally up in the air, venues were shut down, and vendors and couples were all trying to predict the future after the “two week shutdown”. I began to rely on other areas of photography so that I could keep shooting. Going through all of the images for the 2020 photography review, I didn’t realize just how many families I photographed!

I basically hunkered down for a couple of months to see what was happening with Covid-19 and to review my business’s policies and procedures to makes sure that I was as prepared for Covid as possible.

My first shoot and the first time we saw family since February was in May. I unfortunately wasn’t able to photograph Ben’s brother’s family maternity session, but I did get to photograph our niece, Evelyn’s newborn session.

Ben and I wore masks and I started to learn to photograph a new way. I used lenses where I could still get close up pictures, but kept me at a distance from them. They were comfortable with me touching her, but I still limited it. I knew I needed to start learning to use my words to describe poses and actions to people, instead of touching them and moving them. It did come in handy to have Ben around him because I could use him to help me model what I was picturing for an image.

Family of five picture with their third newborn girl in Lansdale, PA for the 2020 photography reviewFather kisses his newborn baby girl in Lansdale, PA for the 2020 photography reviewMother snuggles her newborn baby girl in bed in Lansdale, PA for the 2020 photography reviewTwo older sisters kiss their new baby sister during a family newborn session in Lansdale, PA for the 2020 photography review

I alway love getting some everyday life photos during newborn sessions as well. Hailey, their oldest, loved helping Laura and feeding Evy.

While I was not pregnant nor did I have a child in 2020, I felt like I got a little bit of an insight into what families were going through since Ben’s brother’s family went through it and my own sister, Maddy, was pregnant and had her baby during the pandemic.Mom and Dad-to-be walk during maternity session in Pittsburgh, PA for a 2020 photography review

I know it was a stressful time, but these little babies coming into the world were such a light in the darkness.

Soon-to-be parents look into crib with their dog during a maternity session in Pittsburgh, PA for a 2020 photography review

So many people we knew were having babies in 2020! My best friend, Kate, was pregnant with their 3rd boy.Family picture with two boys during a maternity session outside in Williamsport, PA for a 2020 photography review

These are all favorite pictures from 2020, but I do have some favorites within the favorites like the first image of this post and this picture!

Older brothers high-five during a maternity session outside in Williamsport, PA for a 2020 photography review

Mom and Dad laugh during a maternity session outside in Williamsport, PA for a 2020 photography review

Our family met Ford over Zoom while my sister and brother-in-law were still in the hospital. I of course then had to get to Pittsburgh as quickly as possible to meet Ford in person and take pictures!

Baby wrapped in a blue swaddle on a white comforter during a newborn session in Pittsburgh, PA for a 2020 photography review

Baby in a blue knotted gown and hat in a wooden box during a newborn session in Pittsburgh, PA for a 2020 photography reviewBaby boy with a black Mickey hat on during a newborn session in Pittsburgh, PA for a 2020 photography reviewAfter coming back from Pittsburgh I decided for the first time to do mini sessions in the summer. I felt like families had gone through so much and were going to continue going through even more that it was important that they document where they were in life. Not to mention the babies that had been born!

Family in light blue at the Scenic Hudson Park in front of the Hudson River in Irvington, NY for a 2020 photography review

I always love to get some pictures of just the couple without the kids, because really how often do they get professional pictures of just the two of them besides their engagement session and wedding. It’s something that I’m trying to change! I think couples should not only get professional pictures of their kids and the family together, but also of just the two of them who started it all!Husband and wife walk in front of the Hudson River at the Scenic Hudson Park in Irvington, NY for a 2020 photography review

I think even crying babies are adorable 🙂

Family walking in the Scenic Hudson Park in Irvington, NY during mini sessions for a 2020 photography review

In August, Kate + Jordan’s third boy, Max, was born. He was born with a cleft pallet, which we knew about, so I made the trip out to Williamsport before his first surgery so I could capture his original cleft pallet. Baby boy details during a family newborn session in Williamsport, PA for a 2020 photography reviewFamily of five with their third baby boy during a newborn session in Williamsport, PA for a 2020 photography review

Love little Max peeking up at his parents with one eye.

Parents look at their baby boy in his crib during a newborn session in Williamsport, PA for a 2020 photography review

In August I had Grace + Craig’s wedding! They ended up totally changing all of their plans and the number of guests due to Coronavirus. But the two of them couldn’t have been more joyous or easy going, they were just happy to finally be married. Even their smaller wedding at a different venue was absolutely beautiful and I think that is a reflection of what beautiful people they are on the inside and outside.

Watercolored invitation suite styled with flowers for a small Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography review

Grace’s details with the florals were just seamless.

First look with father of the bride before a small Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography review

Definitely one of my new favorite ring shots!

Craig had great details! I love when a groom puts a little extra thought and style into his look on his wedding day.

Groom details with purple argyle socks and a Brackish bow tie at a small Ninety Acres wedding in a 2020 photography review

Craig wins for best reaction when seeing his bride! I have 10 more pictures of his reactions that I just couldn’t cut from the gallery I delivered to them.

The best groom reaction to seeing bride walk down the aisle at a small Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography reviewFather walking bride down the aisle at a small outside Ninety Acres, NJ wedding ceremony during a 2020 photography reviewBride and Groom exchange rings at a small outside Ninety Acres wedding ceremony during a 2020 photography reviewBride and Groom kiss under an arbor at a small outside Ninety Acres wedding ceremony during a 2020 photography review

 

Absolute perfection!Bride and Groom in front of a white Rolls Royce at a small Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography reviewBridesmaids laughing in front of a hydrangea bush at a small outside Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography reviewBridal party walk down between a grove of trees at a small outside Ninety Acres, NJ wedding during a 2020 photography review

Groomsmen wear matching purple argyle socks at a small outside Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography review

Bridal portrait outside at a small Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography reviewBride and Groom walk down to their outdoor tented reception at a small Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography reviewBride and Groom dance at their outdoor tented reception at a small Ninety Acres wedding during a 2020 photography review

 

I know it’s cliche, but masks were “all the rage” in 2020 😉 So a mask picture was necessary!

The rest of the year was lots of family sessions! Since it was nice outside and cases were lower more people felt comfortable doing family sessions outside. Ben and I still wore our masks and I still used lenses that allowed me to social distance, especially since those getting photographed weren’t wearing masks.

Family walks by a lake at Green Lane Park in Berks County, PA for a 2020 photography review

Kids run through Frecon Farm apple orchard in Berks County, PA for a 2020 photography review

This was one of my favorite little sessions I did for my best friend’s grandparents. I actually have known Mr. and Mrs. Turnbull my whole life and used to go over their house to play with Jess and go in the lake. I would love to do more sessions like this because I absolutely believe that marriages should last a lifetime and I love to honor the one’s that do by photographing them.

Grandparents portrait session around their home in Pittsburgh, PA for a 2020 photography review

Lauren + Rob had a beautiful house and yard for us to shoot their maternity session outside. That way they were more at ease and the pictures had an extra special value since it was the place they would bring their son, Robbie, home.

Outdoor at home fall maternity session in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography review

I love their labradoodle, Lexie, she is so well trained and so photogenic! (I’m definitely getting tips from them one day on training when we get a dog!)

Outdoor at home fall maternity session with a labradoodle for a 2020 photography review

Parents lay on a blanket outside at a home autumn maternity session in Hudson Valley, NY for a 2020 photography review

We stopped by to visit Kate + Jordan and their kiddos and get some pictures of Max after he healed from his first surgery, but before he went for another procedure.

Cleft pallet baby boy after first surgery and after surgery for a 2020 photography review

I love the rug that Kate + Jordan picked out for Max’s nursery and I love this side-by-side comparison from his two shoots. He’s such a happy baby!

Side-by-side comparison of cleft pallet newborn before surgery and after surgery for a 2020 photography review

The big brothers came in for a couple of pictures too!

Headshots aren’t really something I normally do, but I did a couple this year. Normally, I just take some headshots of parents during their family sessions if they’d like them.

I did a second set of mini sessions in the fall and they were a big hit! Families love to get pictures before the holidays and I think this year especially to wrap up 2020 and show they made it through.

Parents hold up baby under a changing tree during fall mini sessions in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography review

Look how big Evy got! I can’t believe how big all 3 of my nieces are!

 

Family of 5 Holiday portrait with three girls at a Christmas tree farm in Harleysville, PA for a 2020 photography reviewFamily cuddling on a blanket at a Christmas tree farm in Harleysville, PA for a 2020 photography review

Parents cuddle under a willow tree during fall mini sessions in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography review

I try and do all my outdoor sessions by the end of October, otherwise it just gets too cold, especially for kiddos. One year I did mini sessions in November and I think I made almost every kid cry just because of the cold!

Family walks together under a willow tree during fall mini sessions in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography reviewFamily session at Greenwich Audubon Center in CT for a 2020 photography reviewFamily of three cuddles together at Greenwich Audubon Center in CT for a 2020 photography review

3 sisters lay on a blanket during Holiday portraits at a Christmas tree farm in Harleysville, PA for a 2020 photography review

Ben is my secret weapon during family sessions, even with a mask on he’s able to get kids to look at me and smile.

Let’s be honest if you don’t have a mask picture, did 2020 even happen? 😉 Just kidding, no one will ever forget 2020!

Little girl wears a cute winter coat during holiday portraits at Greenwich Audubon Center in CT for a 2020 photography review Closeup of family's faces during holiday portraits at Greenwich Audubon Center in CT for a 2020 photography reviewCouple with a Bernidoodle takes Christmas picture in front of the fireplace with stockings for a 2020 photography reviewFinny will pose anywhere for a treat, he’ll even wear a Santa hat for a treat. But don’t be fooled, he’s not licking his chops to be cute, he’s licking his chops because he’s looking at the jerky I’m holding.Bernidoodle wears a Santa hat during Christmas pictures in Pittsburgh, PA during a 2020 photography reviewFamily in red and black for Christmas pictures during fall mini sessions in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography review

This family has been with me since my first mini session and I love seeing how the kids grow each year. After 3 years these girls are pros now!

Girls in red ponchos hold happy pillow during fall mini sessions in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography reviewMom with son and daughter wear maroon and white for fall mini sessions in Westchester County for a 2020 photography review

Girls in red ponchos walk down brick path during fall mini sessions in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography review Parents have their portraits taken during fall mini sessions in Westchester County, NY for a 2020 photography review

This picture of Ford was taken back in July, but it’s the cutest Christmas picture. Especially for how much my sister and her husband love Christmas!

Newborn boy in a Santa hat on a white fur with Christmas lights around baby in Pittsburgh, PA for a 2020 photography review

Robbie took his time coming into the world, but I guess I would have too with everything happening in 2020. 😉 Lauren was supposed to have him before Thanksgiving, but instead he was born in December! Poor Lauren! Lauren + Rob were so prepared for the newborn session like with their maternity session. Lauren had super cute ideas and outfits so I had a lot of fun taking pictures! Plus their house is as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside!Newborn boy wearing a Santa hat in a sled under a Christmas tree in Westchester, NY for a 2020 photography reviewNewborn boy wearing a deer outfit in a basket surrounded by greenery and antlers in Westchester, NY for a 2020 photography review

Look at those little baby lips! I loved capturing Lauren + Rob’s love for Robbie!

Parents kiss baby boy's cheeks during a newborn session in Westchester, NY for a 2020 photography review

As I predicted, Lexie does not leave Robbie’s side! We had to put her in another room for some of the pictures because she just wanted to be around him to make sure he was alright.New mom holds baby boy with labradoodle at her feet during a newborn session in Westchester, NY for a 2020 photography reviewNew father holds baby boy and looks at him during a newborn session in Westchester, NY for a 2020 photography review

And we’ll end with this image, possibly my most favorite image from 2020!

Father holds baby by one hand and baby looks the camera during a newborn session in Westchester for a 2020 photography review

That was my 2020 photography review! I definitely ended up photographing a lot more sessions than I expected when Covid initially hit. To be honest, I thought 2020 was just going to be a wash and my camera would stay in the closet most of the year. I’m happy to report, that it was the opposite and it also allowed me to explore family photography a little more, which I enjoyed. I don’t know what 2021 holds, but I do know if you’re getting married or would like to capture your family, relationship or milestone, I’m here!

Westchester, New York, Wedding, Photographer, NYC, New York City, Cassady K Photography

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